Answering a Reader Question #782

Anonymous Wrote:

 Hi Dania,
I am thinking about enrolling my daughter in modeling classes, but she has acne on her forehead and she has some acne on her chest and a little bit on her back. She also has hair on her stomach, but does this really matter? Everyone keeps coming up to me saying that she should model but I am not sure because of these things. What do you think? Btw my daughter is 16.

Hi there, Anonymous!

I professionally and personally don't recommend modeling classes as a first course of action in pursuing the industry because they are not necessary, nor mandatory/required for new models hoping for agency representation.

I strongly encourage you to look up the websites of legitimate modeling agencies within a 2 hour's drive from where you live as a first step. Submitting your daughter to agencies is free and she will not need previous experience/training, a portfolio, headshots/comp cards, etc. in order to be considered for agency representation. 9 times out of 10 these days agencies are specifically requesting non professional, digital snapshots so they can see a model's potential in his/her most natural appearance.

Reputable agencies train their models for free after being signed and learn experience "on the job" through their first test shoot, which the agency will help you arrange. It is from that test shoot that the materials for her starter portfolio, headshot and comp cards will be created. So this really is a much more affordable and legitimate way to going about getting into modeling.

If you need help finding agencies you can trust, just let me know the city/state you live in (I don't need your mailing address or anything like that) and I'll see what I can find for you. The agency websites also contain all the info you need about how and what to submit, including guidelines/submission instructions.

The hair on her belly shouldn't be a big deal if it's just a little peach fuzz. When she meets with agencies, they'll look her over from head to toe and if that area is a problem for them, they'll let you/her know but for now I wouldn't give it too much attention.

As for your daughter's acne, if her case is mild then it shouldn't be an issue. However, if it's moderate or severe, then it may hinder her chances. She should submit to agencies when her complexion/skin is at its healthiest. An occasional breakout here and there is okay--we all have those and agencies will understand. Sometimes models get told by agencies to come back when their skin has cleared up more so that could also be another possible outcome for your daughter, which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

In the meantime, it is essential that she maintains a daily skin care regimen that includes products made for acne prone skin so that by the time you get her snapshots together to send to agencies, her complexion will be at its best, including her chances of gaining interest from an agency.

I hope that helps but feel free to ask any other questions you may have, either by commenting on this post or emailing me directly at: daniadenise@gmail.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Answering a Reader Question #1,037

Image
Charlie Wrote: I just had a conversation with my mother that modelling pays really well. And she straight up went like "it's a dirty business , you don't know what works models have to do to get on the top " . It was my way to tell her that I want to pursue modelling but before I could even tell that to her directly , I lost all my gathered up courage and I can see all my dreams dying right infront of my eyes. Hey, Charlie! I'm sending you the BIGGEST virtual hug right now...you are not the only one who has had the wind taken right out of their sails by a parent who simply doesn't want to risk their child being disappointed, possibly taken advantage of, or wind up as an example of why people shouldn't get into modeling. I don't know your age or what the situation is but if you are under 18, it's gonna be a bit of an uphill battle to try and convince your mom since it sounds like she's already made it clear how she feels. However, that doesn'
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Image
Anonymous Wrote: Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed! Hey, Anonymous! You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-) As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate
Read more

Answering a Reader Question #1,035

Image
Anonymous Wrote: I had a model agent say " but you are not the right type for us at this moment ". What does that really mean. Hi, Anonymous! Typically, that phrase is "agency speak" for politely saying you aren't what they're looking for. If you don't meet the physical requirements stated -- for example, if it was a fashion agency you were talking to and you weren't within their stated height or size range, that would be a common response. Or it could mean that your look isn't one that they feel is currently in demand at the moment and they don't want to take the chance of signing you, only to have you sitting on roster the entire time without any traction.  While it's not a great response to receive, it is their polite way of saying no, thank you. Now that you have a definite answer from that particular agent, you can move on to submitting to others and hopefully find the one that you are the right type for. Best of luck to you!
Read more